3 for 30a – Winter Wandering

Winter Wandering
Story by Sarah Murphy Robertson

We’re closing out the month of January with suggestions that will include tasty eats, fundraiser fun, and toe-tapping revelry. A weekend with all three of these components will definitely be one well spent!

Friday nights in Seaside you can smell the party cooking in the air. 45 Central serves up paella created al fresco and it is really something special. Beginning at 5 pm, treat yourself to the authentic aromatic rice dish originating in Spain and brimming with mussels, shrimp, chicken and sausage. This classic family-style dish is named for the large circular pan it is cooked in over an open flame. Arrive early and enjoy their wines by the glass special between 4 and 6 pm. Before you know it you’ll be patting your happily full belly and murmuring a new catchphrase: TGIP. (Thank Goodness It’s Paella!)

Saturday’s forecast looks gorgeous so embrace our beautiful January weather and head west to our neighbor Destin for a Gumbo contest and fundraiser. Between 11 am and 2 pm The Destin History and Fishing Museum will host their annual event at the Destin Community Center. Amidst the buzz of laughter and live music, dozens of area restaurants and individuals will compete for the prize of best gumbo. Tickets are available for advanced purchase at the museum and are $15 per person. They will be sold at the door day of for $20.

After your day trip to Destin you may be ready to chill out and keep it local. Cue Sunday Funday at The Local Catch with live music from Hubba Hubba! The party starts at 3 pm and we know Duke and his friends will bring their energy and talent for a boisterous blend of Americana, Blues and R & B. For 22 years they’ve kept audiences jamming and with “The Catch’s” beer and wing specials to boot, go ahead and gather your posse and giddy-up!

Images Courtesy of Collis Thompson- Mellow Media